Derek Doernbach, Jersey Shore Realtor

09/26/2026

⚠️ **New Jersey nor’easter update**

New Jersey has declared a State of Emergency for **Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Salem counties** as a nor’easter brings the risk of strong winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding through the weekend. 🌧️💨

I put together a guide with storm preparation tips and a place to check weather alerts for your area:

🔗 https://derekdoernbach.com/blog/new-jersey-noreaster-state-of-emergency-september-2026/

A few things to do now: charge your phone, secure loose outdoor items, and move your vehicle from flood-prone streets if you can do so safely. **Never drive through floodwater.** 🚗

Please follow your local emergency management office and the National Weather Service for the latest instructions. Stay safe, neighbors. 💙

New Jersey declared a state of emergency in eight counties ahead of the September 25–27 nor’easter. See the affected areas, current NWS alerts, forecast, and safety steps.

09/15/2026

I have something I’m proud to share! 🏆

Across CENTURY 21® brokerages throughout New Jersey, I’m ranked #25 among individual producers by units through July 2026—earning a spot in the statewide Top 100!

To my buyers, sellers, and everyone who has referred a friend or family member: THANK YOU. Your trust helped make this milestone possible.

After 10 years in real estate, helping people move into their next chapter is still what makes this work meaningful to me. 🏡💛

CENTURY 21® Action Plus Realty
Brokerage phone: (800) 299-2129

Serving South Jersey and the Jersey Shore from these offices:
• 1333 New Rd., Northfield, NJ 08225
• 3838 Atlantic Brigantine Blvd., Brigantine, NJ 08203
• 112 Giffordtown Ln., Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087

Derek Doernbach, REALTOR®
Cell: (609) 403-3315
Email: [email protected]
Website: DerekDoernbach.com



𝖲𝗈𝗎𝗋𝖼𝖾: 21𝖮𝗇𝗅𝗂𝗇𝖾, 𝖭𝖩 𝗂𝗇𝖽𝗂𝗏𝗂𝖽𝗎𝖺𝗅 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝖽𝗎𝖼𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝖻𝗒 𝗎𝗇𝗂𝗍𝗌; 2026 𝖼𝗅𝗈𝗌𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝗋𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁 𝖩𝗎𝗅𝗒 31, 𝗉𝖺𝗂𝖽 𝖻𝗒 𝖠𝗎𝗀𝗎𝗌𝗍 4.

09/06/2026

🐵 Remember Bubbles, Michael Jackson’s famous chimpanzee?

I just found out that Bubbles is still alive—and I honestly had no idea! Born in 1983, he is now approximately 43 years old and has spent more than 20 years enjoying a peaceful life at the Center for Great Apes in Florida. 🌴

These days, Bubbles paints, relaxes and socializes with other chimpanzees. He’s reportedly gentle and shy, dislikes having his picture taken and occasionally throws sand or spits water at unfamiliar people just to see how they react. 🎨🙈

His journey from international celebrity to sanctuary resident is fascinating—and it carries an important lesson about why chimpanzees should never be kept as household pets.

I thought others might enjoy learning what happened to one of the most recognizable animals of the 1980s. 👇

🔗 https://www.derekdoernbach.com/blog/michael-jackson-chimp-bubbles-still-alive-florida/

Bubbles, Michael Jackson's famous chimp, is still alive at about 43 and living peacefully at a Florida sanctuary. Here's where he is today.

09/03/2026

🚨 Did you know that vacant land scams are still going around in South Jersey?

I received another inquiry today from someone wanting me to list “their” land. The problem? The person contacting me may not be the actual property owner. 🏡⚠️

These scammers often pose as landowners, contact real estate agents online and attempt to sell property they do not own. That is why independently verifying a seller’s identity and ownership is so important—especially when vacant land is involved. 🔍📄

In my latest blog, I explain how these scams work, the warning signs to watch for and what I do when I believe a South Jersey property is being targeted.

Whether you are a property owner, buyer or fellow REALTOR®, please read and share this information. It could help prevent someone from becoming the next victim. 👇

🔗 https://derekdoernbach.com/blog/new-jersey-vacant-land-scams/

08/15/2026

Did you know that New Jersey law requires a bicycle to have a bell or another audible device that can be heard from at least 100 feet away? 🚲🔔

I came across a local discussion involving a bicyclist in Galloway Township, and it sent me digging into New Jersey Title 39. The bell requirement was surprising, but there are quite a few bicycle laws that both cyclists and drivers should know.

A few examples:

• Bicyclists should ride with traffic, not against it
• Bikes need working brakes and required lighting at night
• Children under 17 must wear a helmet
• Cyclists can sometimes legally ride farther into the lane for safety
• Drivers generally need to give bicyclists at least 4 feet of space when passing
• And yes… your bike really does need an audible device like a bell — but not a siren or whistle

I put together a community-focused guide covering the major NJ bicycle laws and the safety reasons behind them.

Read it here:
https://www.derekdoernbach.com/blog/new-jersey-bicycle-laws-bell-safety/

This isn’t about criticizing a cyclist or law enforcement — it’s just a good reminder that there are rules on both sides of the handlebars and steering wheel, and knowing them can help keep everyone safer on the road.

That bicycle bell isn't just decoration. Here's what cyclists and drivers should know about New Jersey bicycle laws, traffic rules and road safety.

08/09/2026

I saw a post earlier where a homeowner wanted to sell their home because the property taxes got raised again. You could almost here the frustration and desperation in the post.

You see... Top Realtors in the area all have one thing in common. We don't give two sh*ts about a commission check. We care about people and we like to help. One of my many sayings is, "Clients Over Commissions" OR "People Over Profits"!

There are approximately 1,300 REALTORS® associated with the Atlantic City & County Board, but only about 130 agents achieve the production required for the NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award each year.

*** HERE IS MY POST TO THE PUBLIC ***

🏡 Can a veteran really pay ZERO property taxes in New Jersey?

The answer is yes—but only if the veteran meets specific requirements. Generally, the veteran must have a VA-certified, service-connected disability that is 100% permanent and total. Simply being a veteran does not automatically eliminate property taxes.

New Jersey seniors and veterans may also qualify for other valuable programs, including:

✅ Senior Freeze
✅ Stay NJ
✅ ANCHOR
✅ $250 Senior or Disabled Persons Property Tax Deduction
✅ $250 Veterans Property Tax Deduction
✅ 100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

One important point: despite its name, the Senior Freeze does not prevent your municipality from raising your property-tax bill. It is a reimbursement program that may repay eligible homeowners for qualifying increases above their established base-year taxes.

I put together a complete guide explaining who may qualify, how the programs work, which forms are required and where to apply.

Read the guide here:
https://www.derekdoernbach.com/blog/new-jersey-property-tax-relief-seniors-veterans/

Please share this with a New Jersey senior, veteran or surviving spouse who may not know these programs are available.

Program requirements and funding can change. Eligibility is determined by the appropriate state, municipal or federal agency.

Can a veteran pay zero property taxes in New Jersey? Learn about disabled-veteran exemptions, Senior Freeze, Stay NJ, ANCHOR and how to apply.

08/01/2026

Squatters in New Jersey. Protect your rights as a homeowner.

Can squatters take your New Jersey home? Learn what NJ law actually says, warning signs to watch for and how homeowners can protect vacant property.

07/31/2026

🚨 MAJOR PRICE DROP — NOW ONLY $139,000! 🚨

If you’ve been waiting for an affordable opportunity in Mays Landing, take a look at 4885 Bayberry Place in Harding Run II.

This second-floor end-unit condo offers:

✅ 2 bedrooms
✅ 1 full bathroom
✅ Approximately 1,036 square feet
✅ Functional floor plan
✅ Community clubhouse and tennis courts
✅ Convenient location near shopping, dining and major highways

The home needs updating and is being sold AS-IS, but that means the next owner can renovate it to fit their own taste instead of paying a premium for someone else’s choices.

💥 Now priced at just $139,000
💥 Lowest-priced active listing in Harding Run II
💥 Seller offering a $5,370 concession toward the first year of HOA fees, subject to the terms of the offer and lender approval
💥 Seller also offering a one-year Guard Home Warranty of up to $700

That’s potentially up to $6,070 in combined seller incentives on top of the new reduced price!

See all the photos, property details and additional information here:

🏡 https://4885bayberry.com

Interested or know someone who might be? Send me a message or call/text me to schedule a showing.

Derek Doernbach, REALTOR®
Century 21 Action Plus Realty
📱 Direct: (609) 403-3315
☎️ Office: (800) 299-2129

2-bed, 1-bath condo at $139,000 in Mays Landing NJ. Lowest-priced active listing in Harding Run II with $5,370 HOA concession and home warranty. Sold as-is, perfect for renovators and investors.

07/14/2026

❓ 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗥𝘂𝗻 𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹? ❓

Can a New Jersey landlord run a background check before you view a rental? Learn what the Fair Chance in Housing Act allows and when criminal history can be considered.